In a bold move signalling a return to traditional naval technology, former President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to redesign the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class aircraft carrier, to incorporate steam catapults instead of the current electromagnetic launch systems. This directive, issued through a national security memorandum on 5 August 2026, comes as the vessel faces significant delays and as tensions with Iran escalate.
A Long-Standing Preference
Since assuming office in 2017, Trump has been vocal about his preference for steam catapults, which he believes to be more reliable than their digital counterparts. “The catapult is quite important,” Trump remarked in a 2017 interview, expressing his concerns about the complexities of the electromagnetic systems. His insistence on steam has been a recurring theme, echoed in various speeches and conversations over the years.
The memorandum grants Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao a 60-day period to devise a comprehensive plan for the retrofitting of the USS Doris Miller. This transition is particularly controversial given the substantial investments already made in the electromagnetic systems, which are reportedly nearly 50% complete.
Resistance from Military and Industry Experts
The decision to revert to steam technology has been met with resistance from military officials and industry leaders, who warn of the immense costs and logistical challenges associated with dismantling the advanced systems currently in place. General Atomics, the contractor responsible for the electromagnetic launch system, has cautioned against the change, emphasising the potential for significant cost overruns and integration risks.
Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and former astronaut, has been particularly critical of Trump’s directive. “I’ve launched off the front of aircraft carriers hundreds of times… and even I wouldn’t suggest to the Navy how to engineer specific systems on its ships,” he stated, suggesting that Trump’s focus should remain on his business ventures rather than military engineering.
Implications for the USS Abraham Lincoln’s Crew
This announcement comes amid reports of a growing mental health crisis aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is currently on an extended deployment as part of the ongoing conflict with Iran. With 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard, the strain of prolonged service has raised concerns about the well-being of the crew, adding another layer of urgency to the Pentagon’s response.
As the military grapples with these challenges, the push for a redesign of the USS Doris Miller not only complicates logistical plans but also raises questions about the future of naval warfare technology.
Why it Matters
The decision to revert to steam catapults encapsulates broader debates surrounding military technology and modernization. As the US Navy navigates complex geopolitical tensions, the implications of this change could reverberate far beyond the shipyard, potentially impacting naval strategy and operational effectiveness in an increasingly competitive global landscape. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of military readiness and the welfare of service personnel remain paramount concerns for both leaders and the public alike.